Georgia Landlord Tenant Handbook: - Forsyth County Government

utility bill moves out?One of the people still living in the rental unit should apply for utility service. The utilitymay require proof that the previous customer no longer lives at the location. The utility candisconnect service to a new customer if the previous customer, who owes money on the bill,continues to live at the address. Additionally, the previous tenant is responsible for closing theaccount in his or her name and runs the risk of additional charges on the account if the servicesare not canceled.My tenants have not paid rent in several months. Can I turn off their utilities?No. Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-14.1), a landlord who wants to force tenants tomove must go through court and follow the dispossessory process. A landlord who terminates orsuspends a tenant's utility service prior to the final judgment in a dispossessory action has brokenthe law and may be subject to a fine up to $500.SECURITY DEPOSITSWhat is a security deposit and why do I have to pay it?The security deposit protects the landlord if the tenant vacates without making requiredpayments or damages the unit. If the tenant gives proper notice and vacates without owing anyrent or damages, the landlord must return the security deposit to the tenant within thirty (30)days. Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. §44-7-30) a security deposit is money paid by the tenant tothe landlord and includes damage deposits, advance rent deposits, and pet deposits. Amountsidentified in the lease as the security deposit are refundable to the tenant. The security deposit36